Summerwork outfitscome with their fair share of challenges. In the face of heat and humidity, they need to be comfortable and breathable — yet still appropriate for the office. Of course, dressing for warm weather can be tricky when your workplace feels like a frozen tundra with the AC blasting.
So, to help you out, we called on fashion experts for their best no-fail, cool-for-the-summer outfit formulas, along with styling advice. From seasonal pantsuits to stylish shirtdresses, these looks are chef's kiss.
Keep scrolling for seven stylist-approved summer work outfits to wear on repeat.
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Anything Linen Is a Go
There's a reason why linen is associated with summer dressing: The fabric is comfortable, breathable, and helps to keep your body from overheating — elements that, according toMiKADOpersonal style advisor Jordan Stolch, make it the ideal summer office wardrobe staple.
To style the material for the workplace, Stolch toldInStyleshe'd opt for a linen blazer paired with a simple T-shirt and trousers or an A-line linen skirt styled with a classic silk button-down.
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Stock Up on Shirtdresses
Stolch is convincedshirtdressesare one of the top must-haves for the office in summer — and we agree.
Dressed up with a block heel or worn with your favorite flat, the stylist ensures this unstructured silhouette "maintains breathability while keeping you looking polished and put together in the process."
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Rock a Seasonal Pantsuit
Pantsuitsare a hot ticket item for summer, Stolch said. Celebrity stylistLindsey DuPuisagreed, urging her clients to lean into boldly colored solid sets for the season.
To make your suits feel fresh and modern, Stolch recommended swapping out your conventional business button-down for a classic cotton T-shirt and trading in neutral color palettes for pastels and rich jewel tones.
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One-and-Done Outfits Are a Win
When it comes to getting dressed for the day, comfort is key but so is convenience. For stylistErica Ball, that translates to one-piece outfits like jumpsuits and dresses, especially for a summer office wardrobe.
"Solid color cotton poplin dresses are especially flattering and easy to wear for work in the summer. Style them with sandals or sneakers and add a cropped cardigan for texture," Ball toldInStyle. "Jumpsuits are also a great summer workplace alternative. I'd look for a sleeveless option that can be worn with a tailored blazer for more work-appropriate polish when indoors."
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A Blazer Is Always Timeless
One staple piece to add to your work capsule wardrobe (and any capsule wardrobe, really) is a lightweight oversized blazer. For the summer, specifically, fashion and design expertNicole Rattnersuggested investing in a lighter, neutral color that is versatile and office-appropriate but still very on-trend.
"Throw one on with an airy, silky dress, especially if your workplace leans more corporate and conservative (or if the AC is always cranked up)," Rattner told us. "For casual offices, style a blazer with an elevated tee and a pair of high-waisted, lighter wash denim shorts — think a polished"mom" stylewith a long inseam and finished hem."
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Midi Over Miniskirts
When it's hot as Hades outside, you might be tempted to reach for your favorite micro-mini, but stylist and host ofFashion Crimes PodcastHolly Katz recommended opting for a midiskirt instead. It's still just as easy and breezy but will always be appropriate for the office in summer.
"If you can wear open-toe shoes in the office, then wear this type of skirt with some adorable patternedmules. If not, rock it with some sneakers and a vintage tee," Katz said. "Throw on a beaded or jeweled denim jacket or cardi when they crank up the air so they can't freeze you out of your workspace."
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Puff Sleeves Add Playfulness
Sprinkle a bit ofBridgertonvibes into your summer work wardrobe with apuff sleevenumber. It'll help breathe new life into the common workday dress, and Katz said, ensures you're able to go from on-duty to off-duty with a change of accessories.
"Change from a summer white bootie and work tote to a sleek, strappy heel, statement earring, and shiny clutch for dinner and drinks straight from work," she instructed. "This dress is also ideal with a canvas sneaker, crossbody bag, and ball cap for a casual, comfortable day with no client meetings on the books!"